Ed Balls Picks up Honorary Degree from Nottingham Trent University

The former shadow chancellor Ed Balls has been awarded an honorary degree from Nottingham Trent University.

Mr Balls attended Keyworth Primary School, Crossdale Drive Primary School and Nottingham High School and has strong ties with the area despite originally being born in Norwich.

He said: "It's a great honour to come back to this city where I grew up and to be part of this celebration. It's really exciting too for these students who have worked so hard to get their degrees. They have got the world ahead of them."

The former Education Secretary added that he remembered being at the opening of QMC, when the Queen attended, and that he comes back to the city to see Norwich City, the team where is now chairman.

The university's vice-chancellor, Professor Edward Peck, said: "It's great to be able to recognise one of Nottingham's most famous sons. He has made an amazing contribution to our political and civic life over the last 15 years."